Akriti Sondhi, a Paris-based artist, conjures new dimensions within the realm of still-life and conceptual photography through her project “Helix”. Her work seamlessly merges science and art to sculpt images that transcend the ordinary, examining everyday phenomena through an innovative lens. In “Helix”, Sondhi investigates the iridescent allure of oil-slicked surfaces reminiscent of rainbow puddles. Inspired by the environmental catastrophe of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, she ingeniously utilizes real oil and water to capture ephemeral hues. The visual spectacle achieved within this series is a fusion of natural phenomena and artistic brilliance, highlighting not just beauty but also an underlying narrative about human impact on nature.
Through Sondhi’s lens, the interplay of oil and water becomes a medium that challenges our perception of beauty and destruction, portraying a kaleidoscope of colors that reflect the complexities of ecological consequences. Her experimental approach delves into the concept of controlled environments, where vibrant patterns emerge from a synthesis of elements found in nature. This artistic endeavor shows the delicate balance between aesthetic allure and environmental dialogue. Sondhi’s ability to draw connections between art and environmental awareness transforms each image into a visual metaphor, echoing the stark reality that even the most captivating visuals can harbor profound implications.
Experimentation with oil and water to explore and understand the phenomenon of ‘rainbow puddle’ (iridescent colours being formed on the sides of roads on a rainy day) in a controlled environment. This project was influenced by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, which occurred in 2010 and had a devastating ecological impact which will require decades to recover. The effects of the oil spill were not just limited to marine animals and vegetation but also birds, and possibly affected the groundwater. It is in these puddles of oil and water that the project was born. This project is a reminder that something so beautiful (often resembling a rainbow or a nebula) can also cause so much damage. No CGI / paint/ any kind of pigment has been used for the iridescent colours.
Akriti Sondhi
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